How to make citizens buy local
Well, obviously, trade protectionism acts like subsidies, tariffs, import restriction, governmental preferences for local products when purchasing, subsidies and, of course, campaigning.
I have my own feelings about them.
I am unsure about subsidies. Admittedly, I have no problems about subsidising products which fulfill the needs of the populace, like fresh fruits and vegetables, plainly-designed clothes that fit for everyone, basic “dumb”cellphones or anything traditionally-artisan. Non-essential and non-traditionally-artisan things like local cola brands, industrially-made candies and smart phones should never be subsidised.
But, even if we only subdidise basic necessities, we have to ensure the products are of high-quality. We have to ensure we don’t encourage the manufacturers to become too lax. Personally, I prefer subsidies to be about increasing affordability for customers, not boosting local businesses; if the products are traditionally-artisan, it is also about preserving traditions.
I am very wary about tariffs. As it is basically a tax on your own citizens, it will also hurt them, especially those who already have limited access to any products because of poverty, geographic isolation, or both; I have the same sentiment about import restrictions. As much I despise MAGA, I also disagree with other countries that impose tariffs against the US, whether they are intended as protectionist or retaliatory.
I am genuinely intrigued by the idea of governments prioritising purchasement of local products, especially ingredients for meals served in public schools and other publicly-funded institutions. Of course, they shouldn’t be too strict; if local fruits and vegs have little variety, the governments should be allowed to buy non-local as well.
But, even if the first four policies are absolutely effective with no complexities to consider and will never backfire, I cannot overlook what they have in common: they don’t encourage sincere sentiment.
The first three force us to prioritise local products while the fourth simply give financial cushions to our local businesses. Basically, because people are not compelled to buy local at their own will, the impacts are not long-term.
Which is why I prefer campaigning.
I cannot entirely blame governments for not choosing this approach. Humans are not robots, we are animals with complex cultural, social and political systems. Not only there is no guarantee the campaigns will be even 50% effective, there is still a possibility the efforts will backfire. It is indeed risky.
But, I do think campaigning is worth the efforts. Because it aims to influence the masses’ minds, the impact — if successful — will be long-lasting as people will buy locals on their own accord, without governmental pressures.
And no, Canada’s boycott of USA is not an example of this. While it is true most of the state-owned liquor stores still ban US products, the boycott goes beyond that. Canadians refuse to visit the US and buy anything US in general, even though they have the freedom to do so. It is mostly grassroots.
In fact, from some online comments I see, Canadians think their politicians are not harsh enough on their neighbour.
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